Razorlight

Razorlight formed in London in 2002, Johnny Borrell's charismatic frontmanship and the band's melodic post-punk sound giving them a quality that was immediately distinctive. They signed to Mercury Records and released their debut album 'Up All Night' (2004) — a strong collection that established them as one of the most promising British indie bands of the year.

The self-titled second album (2006) was the commercial breakthrough — 'America', 'Before I Fall to Pieces', and 'In the Morning' were all excellent singles. 'America' in particular — a song about longing and displacement — became one of the most recognisable British singles of the decade. The album reached number one.

Borrell's public persona — confident to the point of arrogance — generated considerable backlash, and the critical reception to subsequent albums was less warm. But the early records hold up well, and 'America' remains a genuinely great song. Razorlight have continued to perform occasionally.